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338 Ave St Leon-C Accommodation

April 3, 2007 Zen Garden Furniture
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7 Avenue St Leon Bantry Bay

A beautifully constructed house with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean ahead, Lions Head and Signal Hill to the right and an extended view over the greater Cape Town features every possible comfort and luxury with large rooms that enhance its open spacious quality, high volume spaces with stylish extra height glass windows and doors, vaulted ceilings, no passages and elegant floating stairways and balustrades. Modern in style, this beautiful villa flows from its open plan living areas to undercover outdoor balconies on different levels and a consistent interior design with layers of different shapes, colours, proportions, artworks and textures complements this comfortable, familial home with panache.

Learn to live lightly, leave your baggage behind and take a short drive down to Cliftons four beautiful beaches or a five minute drive in the opposite direction to Table Mountains cableway or the V & A Waterfront for designer shopping, African treasures and fabulous dining.

A large and grand tiled entrance hall is extremely welcoming with cladded stone pillars, ceramic pots, a wooden chest and a life size figurative sculpture. Beautiful square spotlights, inset in chrome, along the ceiling and stairway are aligned throughout the house and an elevator allows one to get into the villa in the most comfort after an afternoon of sight seeing and shopping. A landing halfway up the stairs is complemented with framed abstract prints where guests can look up at the different levels of this home.

The first level of the villa consists of a cosy plush sitting room that opens up on to an outdoor patio with a large square wooden table and chairs for having a cup of coffee in the mornings while enjoying the magnificent view, a contemporary and fully equipped wood and glass kitchen complete with a black marble worktop, a convenient double sink for preparing food quickly while guests snack on canapés and lots of clever storage, three personalised, carpeted bedrooms with free standing furniture and two spacious, neutral bathrooms and an entertainment room with a beach wood snooker table, table tennis table and bicycles. Two bedrooms have a king size bed on a suede base with white and denim embroidered linen and a wooden headboard, a long bed end table, an upholstered armchair, a television cabinet and glass sliding doors with delicate beige colour curtains to a garden patio. Another bedroom has twin beds with hand painted linen and matching headboards. Bedroom one has an en suite bathroom, beige and cream tiled, with a frameless glass shower cubicle, a raised oval bathtub, a black vanity area with a large square washbasin and cupboards below plus elegant bathroom ware. Bedrooms two and three share a bathroom that matches bathroom one.

The second level of the villa consists of an open plan sitting and living room, a swimming pool area and bar. The sunken cosy sitting room has a fitted, textured pistachio colour carpet that is well teamed up with different colour scatter cushions on an L-shaped grey sofa. A non-vented gas fireplace is the divider between the sitting and living rooms creating a relaxed atmosphere across these two spaces. The living room is raised above the sitting room with a unique wooden floor surrounded by tiles, a large square, light wood table with a glass top, two L-shaped camel suede sofas, an armchair and rest upholstered in grey, an impressive plasma screen television on a smart unit, a matching built in cabinet and a colourful rug that softens the room. Two cladded stone pillars, exceptionally high ceilings and extra height glass sliding doors with delicate long curtains that open up on to a chic outdoor terrace and a giant oil painting create a contemporary Zen feeling.

A modern and cool area has been created outside, half under cover with cladded stone pillars, louver blinds to the left, a raised deck with a wooden table and ten chairs for a long formal dinner on the stoep, comfortable loungers and a telescope. A sparkling blue swimming pool is the central focus outdoors where you can float on your back and look at the beautiful design of this house and huge ceramic pots complement sophisticated bold green cacti and rows of light pebbles.

A large wooden floor bar room of curved cement walls with built in shelving for holding wine bottles, a lit up spirits area and a drinks fridge has been built from wood with specialised custom-built fittings, black marble finishes and silver framed oil paintings making a perfect social meeting point for its guests.

The third level is up tiled steps and consists of a dining room and a kitchen that looks over the second levels living, sitting and swimming pool areas. The dining area has wooden floors surrounded by tiles, a vast solid dark wood table with soft overhanging lights and twelve chairs upholstered in linen, fantastic for planning a feast to celebrate Summertime, a huge wooden cabinet fitted along a wall and glass sliding doors with light curtains that open on to the outdoor terrace. Spend time in the stylishly streamlined, tiled and fully equipped clutter-free kitchen of modern wood and glass cupboards and super sized drawers that blends in well with the black marble top and the granite stone server, circular ceiling and glass sliding windows. A scullery/pantry is positioned behind the dining room.

Up tiled steps, level four overlooks level three and has a well lit, tiled study with a large fitted desk and a black leather chez lounge plus a wooden floor cinema room complete with three ottomans, a large curved back double bed chair, a matching single chair, a dark wood and glass cabinet, textured beige rug and framed black and white photographs of film stars that add character to this relaxed, comfortable space.

Level five has a carpeted bedroom en suite with glass sliding doors leading on to a tiled balcony and a Jacuzzi spa. This beautiful room has the luxury of a walk in closet with huge wardrobes and drawers, a king size bed and wooden headboard, a beige leather chez lounge, dressing table and television cabinet plus a safe. The bathroom is tiled in cream with a sunken oval tub, a black marble vanity area with his and hers square washbasins and two frameless wall mirrors, cupboards, a round tiled shower enclosure and windows that face the ocean.

Level six has a carpeted sitting area with a grey sofa and two chairs, an upholstered ottoman and doors to the Jacuzzi and the villas fifth bedroom en suite is carpeted with a king size wooden bed layered in white and beige embroidered linen, a beige armchair, dressing table, a dark wood table and a sloped ceiling with mood lighting that elevates this room to an elegant, romantic level. The bathroom has a glass door sauna room, a glass shower and a large square washbasin, a perfect room of escape.

The perfect equilibrium throughout this sophisticated homes indoor and outdoor areas makes for harmonious easy living.

Features:

* Games
* TV
* DVD
* HiFi
* Video
* Kitchen
* Stove
* Fridge
* Microwave
* Freezer
* Washing Machine
* Garden and Outdoors
* Pool
* Water Feature Garden
* Jacuzzi
* Phone
* Lounge
* Balcony
* Terrace

Cape Town Accommodation – Cape Town luxury villas and apartments to rent for your holiday accommodation in the following areas:

Bakoven , Bantry-Bay , Camps-Bay , Cape-Town-CBD , Clifton , Constantia , De-Waterkant , Fresnaye , Greenpoint , Hout-Bay , Llandudno , Moullie-Point , Waterfront , Winelands.

Cape Town Life is your Cape Town Accommodation one-stop-shop for your holiday as we help many of our clients experience the best of the Cape and are able to arrange shark cage diving, heli-flips and one-day safaris to sky diving, heritage tours and romantic honeymoon getaways, (click here for more..) frequent travellers know that it’s always better to trust the locals to find the most memorable holiday experiences for you.

We also offer a variety of car hire options as well as transfers to and from the airport or other locations.
See our featured Cape Town accommodation on the home page for great specials.


Article from articlesbase.com

Lake Resort Spa: Portugal paradise

March 24, 2007 Zen Garden Furniture
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The Lake Spa Resort is a special spot in the center of the beach city of Vilamoura in Portugal. Visitors to Seville or Lisbon flock to this spot hailed for its beach, great seaside views, exotic scenery and of course, one of the best spa hotels in Portugal. The reason being that it is very close to the Faro International Airport. The Lake Spa Resort at Vilamoura is splayed out splendidly over thirty thousand square meters of beaches and verdant gardens. A perfect place for relaxation out of all the spas and resorts in the vicinity.

Careful planning is the hallmark of this best among spa hotels. Enter the main lobby and you will struck by the neo-classical entrance adorned with huge columns constructed out of stone and equally massive curtains that, oddly enough, provide a softening contrast that quite takes one’s breath away. The gallery next door has these Roman arches that heighten the grandeur of the architecture. The grand resort also has a beautifully built library, the ‘Lusiadas’ with carefully selected designs and furniture. Apart from beauty and aesthetics the furniture has been designed keeping comfort in mind.

Of all the spas and resorts this is one spa hotel known for its understated elegance. Step into any of the hotel’s guest rooms and you will find yourself enchanted by the apparent simplicity harmoniously synchronized with unparalleled sophistication. The beds are downy and comfortable with bedside lamps for reading. The bathroom is separated by a sliding door and has a large bath tub with an overhead rain shower. The luxury apartments at the lake spa resort Vilamoura, are very large with a huge bedroom or two bedrooms. Some apartments include a two-bedroom duplex. They are extremely efficient with adequate storage space, kitchenette, security, parking et al and work very well with families and business people dealing with large delegations, meetings and the like.

The spa at this magical resort is its major attraction. This is because the relaxation and massage experts employed at the spa turn your repose into an unforgettable experience. This is where you can restore your worn-out tissues and rejuvenate your tired mind. Start your journey into serenity at the Blue Spa with jet sprays, invigorating ceremonies and rituals, and heady aromas. You can move to the Green Spa at your next visit where you can take advantage of exotic massages inspired by Ayurvedic, Shiatsu, or Javanese techniques. And then go into the Lake Beauty Center for a complete finish with regard to facial and body treatments. Feel tempted already? Here’s some great news. A spa brochure is downloadable on the web.

Like the rest of resort, the eateries too are exotic, including Fusion with its Zen ambience and great oriental as well as Mediterranean cuisine, and the Marenostrum which is a floating seafood restaurant. If you are not having breakfast inside your room why not try the Gustatio with its interiors inspired by sheer Roman splendor. The restaurant also hosts great buffet dinners. Book your reservation, now!

Mike Greaves is a self-made entrepreneur, a well known travel consultant and internet marketer. Over the years he has traveled across the world and has numerous writings credited to his name in many renowned publications. His areas of writing include travel experiences including reviews of best spa hotels and lake spa resort


Article from articlesbase.com

Related Zen Garden Furniture Articles

Floral Canvas Art Oil Paintings – Elegance in the Master Bedroom

March 19, 2007 Zen Garden Furniture
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Add natural elegance to the master bedroom by decorating in a floral theme. Romantic cabbage roses, calla lilies and grasses with contemporary appeal, or summer loving blooms of zinnia and daisies are just a few options that can be incorporated with a floral theme. When looking for art and accessories with floral inspiration begin your search with floral oil paintings and let these distinctly original works of art take center stage in a romantically elegant master bedroom.

Dramatic Option #1: A Designer Floral Headboard

Create a one-of-a-kind headboard with designer appeal by using a series of frameless canvas oil paintings with a floral theme of your choice. Remove the existing headboard from the bed and choose three or four panels to fill the space above the bed. Use painter’s tape and a level to mount the canvases directly on the wall in a perfectly straight line. The canvases can be mounted so that they touch, or you may leave some space between the panels to achieve a fit that is perfectly in sync with the bed and bedding. An overhang of two to three inches on each side of the mattress is ideal when planning the space for the canvases.

To disguise the space behind the series of canvases and to make the grouping appear unified, use painter’s tape to mark the area where the canvases will be mounted. Paint the designated area in a hue that matches the background color of the canvases and you will have created an entirely original multi-dimensional headboard. For a contemporary look, plan your painted square so that the top of the square cuts horizontally across the approximate horizontal center of the canvases, cutting them in half and allowing the canvases to jut vertically out of the box. This graphic effect works best when the painted box contrasts with the base wall color.

Dramatic Option #2: From Bare Wall to Floral Focal Point

Waking up to a boring bare wall every morning is less than inspiring and not a great way to start the day. Turn a bare wall into a floral focal point by choosing a large detailed floral oil painting that captures your style. From country baskets brimming with blooms to modern graphically stylized blooms, designs and colors for every taste can be used to accent the décor of your room. Use the painting above a dresser, console or bureau and cluster accessories on top of the furniture that harmonize with the colors and theme of the painting. Candles and candle holders, vases of flowers, ceramic or metal sculpture and figurines in contemporary, traditional or theme inspired styles are just a few options to consider.

In a bedroom with space for an elegant chaise lounge or upholstered chair, let a large floral oil painting invite relaxation into the space. A painting of a serene waterfall garden, cottage garden or Zen-inspired Japanese garden can set the tone and theme that will inspire your choice of upholstery fabric and throw pillows. The addition of an electric or candle wall sconce or a floor lamp will make this corner of the master bedroom a haven for reading and reflection.

Accent with Wall Vases

Use wall vases to add realism and dimension to the images depicted in a floral oil painting. Mount two wall vases in staggered fashion to one side of the painting, or symmetrically on either side. Fill them with floral foam and artificial blooms and vines that mimic flowers depicted in the painting. Wall vases can be found in any finish – from painted country inspired wall vases to modern burnished and hammered metals or traditional fleur-de-lis designs.

Jeanelle Deppner writes for WallDecorandHomeAccents.com, a site featuring:metal wall vases and metal wall sculpture.


Article from articlesbase.com

Patio Chair Cushions

March 2, 2007 Zen Garden Furniture
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Regardless of how much space you have, a small patio, several acres, or somewhere in between, ideal outdoor spaces have three things in common: seating, landscaping, and the designer details like tiki torches and patio chair cushions. Here’s how to make the most of your space.

Step One: Defining your space. What type of space are you looking for? What will its purpose be? Are you looking for a quiet spa like getaway or a spiritual retreat? Do you want your outdoor space to be an ultra comfortable place with lots of lush patio chair cushions where you can entertain or a location that is designed just for you? Take a moment to decide the purpose of your space.

Now, with the purpose of your outdoor room in mind, step outside and evaluate the amount of space that you have. Does your space meet your needs? For example if you want your outdoor space to be a place that you can entertain but you only have a 10 x 10 patio, you may want to reconsider the purpose of your space.

Do you want a separate area to dine and a separate sitting area? Will you need to pour a patio? The answer may lie in the purpose of your space. Traditional outdoor spaces generally segment the seating and entertaining area with a different surface. However, this doesn’t mean that you have to spend a lot of money. Rocks or mulch can be used to create a separate space. Stepping stones can be placed to create a path to and from the seating area. Keep in mind that you probably don’t want you segmented space within your yard to take up more than a third of the space. This means that if you have 300 square feet of yard space, you’ll want to designate only 100 square feet of it to a patio, deck or other type of material.

Step Two: Choosing your furniture. Your patio furniture sets the tone for your space. Beginning with materials, you will want to decide how your furniture will help you meet your goals for your outdoor space. Wrought iron furniture is significantly more formal than an earthy and natural teak table set. Wicker is casual and can set the stage for a comfortable cottage feel or a luxurious garden space.

Of course the pieces that you choose are important too. If you’re seeking a Zen retreat you may want a simple chaise lounge or a minimalist bench. If you’re setting your space up for entertainment, you can look for outdoor sofas or a large dining set

Patty Tudor offers elegant choices in patio chair cushions, outdoor patio furniture and other accessories at PatioToys.com


Article from articlesbase.com

Shopping for Thai Handicrafts

February 22, 2007 Zen Garden Furniture
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Think ‘Chiang Mai’ and images of mountains and waterfalls come to mind. First time visitors might be forgiven for thinking that Chiang Mai’s key attractions and activities include temple tours and trekking, and that the Northern culture is defined by colourfully dressed hill tribe folk and an ancient moat. But one of the city’s greatest selling points is its fantastic shopping and the Baan Tawai craft centre south of the city is a cornucopia of handicrafts, home décor and Asian cultural souvenirs.

Few people come to Chiang Mai without an evening spent wandering the famous Night Bazaar and going home with a lot more than they intended. The range and prices of goods on display are astonishing, featuring everything from antiques to Zen art. But this is simply a convenient warm up for Baan Tawai, where many of the crafts are made and sold at much cheaper prices.

“We had a fantastic day there” says, Judy Hickman, from Kansas City. “In the end I spent more than a thousand dollars, and the lady at the shop is shipping for me”. She confessed that she didn’t intend to redecorate her home while on holiday but the prices were too good to ignore. “They’re making us a hyacinth sofa for out TV room and we got a bunch of awesome Buddha carvings, one huge one for our lounge wall” she gushes.

The area has been an artisan centre for quite some time, but with the influx of tourism it has expanded considerably in the past five years and now includes several arcades of stalls and small shops, with a whole new wing recently added. The road leading to the centre is also lined with larger shops dealing in furniture, outdoor ceramics and antiques. Handicraft dealers from all over the world now fly in regularly to stock their shops abroad, spawning a whole industry of sourcing agents and logistics support.

But if you’re just here for a little souvenir shopping you won’t regret squeezing a half day tour in to your Northern Thailand schedule. Baan Tawai is the cheapest place in Thailand to find silk, antique reproductions, incense, candles, oil and soap gift packs, ornaments, lamps, bamboo products, wall hangings, frames, vases and much more. They can all be found on market stalls at tourist centres in Bangkok, Phuket and Samui, but the range is far less and the mark-up almost 200 per cent. Most the items on display at Baan Tawai are uniquely Thai, many characteristically Northern and hand made from natural materials.

Wood is definitely the spirit of the place, with plenty of carved figurines, Buddhist art pieces, décor items and wall hangings. But the Thai have a knack for creativity and the range has diversified incredibly in recent years, introducing contemporary designs and ideas. Many of the shops construct teak furniture, made to order, at stunning prices. And although a bedside table doesn’t exactly fit into your suitcase, a professional packing and shipping infra-structure has developed which means you simply have to show up with your credit card.

Apart from spending money, just wandering among the stores and seeing the artisans at work is fun. The Thai are very gifted with their hands and you can see them weaving rattan, carving busts, painting, adding colourful finishes to figurines, or applying delicate lacquer work in time-worn traditions. Another wonderful aspect of Baan Tawai is the pride that the shop owners take in decorating their small shops. Chiang Mai has a distinctively romantic character and the locals love to create small ponds, gardens, water features and displays in the shops, hotel lobbies, restaurants, galleries and coffee shops all over the city. But by far the best little tropical gardens can be found at Baan Tawai.

Baan Tawai is also famous for Asian antiques, some of which rank among the world’s best. Chiang Mai is possibly one of the best places in the region to find not only valuable pieces but very authentic looking reproductions. After all, for 200,000 baht you can become the proud owner of a late-eighteenth century Burmese Buddha head made from marble or you can outfit your entire apartment with equally impressive looking copies for the same price.

“There’s a bigger market now for reproductions”, says Khun Monsit Boonvipatsavee, owner of Chilli Antiques – one of the most established dealers in town. “Now antiques are very expensive and difficult to spot, that’s okay if you’re a dealer, but now people are just looking for something that looks old”, he explains. His gallery on the Hang Dong–Sarapi road has some fantastic examples of ancient-looking Buddha figurines, bronze bowls, pewter and Burmese masks. He has perfected methods of burying newly crafted pieces soaked in acid to speed up the aging process to create truly impressive pieces of pseudo antiquity. Aged bronze Buddha heads are very popular accessories on the décor list of the expensive villas in Phuket and Samui and his pieces can be found in some the country’s most expensive hotels.

Thai products are fast becoming famous the world over, they are cheap and beautifully crafted. From silk bed throws to the ubiquitous triangle cushions, the distinctive styles are now found on flea markets and in decors shops from London to Christchurch. You may not have planned to take too much back with you but once you discover the delightful products available and the prices, you’re likely to be dashing to one of those luggage stalls at the night market.

Sue Mumford travels to Asia often and writes about it, she loves shopping for handicrafts in Chiang Mai. She suggests;


Great website on Chiang Mai tourism

Directory of handicrafts suppliers in Chiang Mai

Sourcing agent in Chiang Mai for Thai handicrafts


Article from articlesbase.com

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